Authentic Vietnamese Caramelized Ginger Chicken (Ga Kho Sa Ot) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of chicken thighs, bone-in
4 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 bird's eye chilies, chopped
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of palm sugar
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of water
Spring onions and coriander for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chopped chilies, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until the skin is brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side until browned as well.
Add the black pepper and the remaining marinade from the bowl into the pan. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Pour the water into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced and thickened.
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with spring onions and coriander, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tools for making

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken, lemongrass, garlic, and chilies.
Large bowl - A container for marinating the chicken and mixing the ingredients.
Large pan - A wide, deep pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Spatula - A tool for flipping and stirring the chicken while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the fish sauce, palm sugar, and black pepper.
Cooking oil - For frying the chicken and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
Cover/lid - A lid to cover the pan while simmering the chicken.
Serving dish - A dish or plate for presenting the cooked chicken.

Recipe variations

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for a quicker cooking time.
Replace chicken with pork shoulder or beef for a different taste.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the dish for added color and flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, or star anise to infuse unique flavors into the dish.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Try using brown sugar instead of palm sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pan during the simmering process.

Recipe overview

Experience the unique and vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this Ga Kho Sa Ot recipe. This dish, which translates to Lemongrass and Chili Chicken, is known for its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. You'll be marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, bird's eye chilies, fish sauce, and palm sugar, then cooking them until they're beautifully caramelized and the sauce is thick and full of flavor. Serve this hearty dish with steamed rice for a complete meal that is comforting yet packed with exciting flavors. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cooking or looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this Ga Kho Sa Ot recipe will surely impress.

Common questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in ones.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of the dish depends on the amount of bird's eye chilies you use. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chilies or remove the seeds before chopping.
Can I substitute palm sugar with another type of sweetener? Yes, you can substitute palm sugar with brown sugar or regular white sugar if palm sugar is not available. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours? While marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is recommended for maximum flavor, if you're short on time, you can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the longer the marination time, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger pan if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken, lemongrass, garlic, and chilies.
Large bowl - A bowl to marinate the chicken and mix the ingredients.
Large pan - A wide and deep pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Spatula or tongs - Utensils for flipping and stirring the chicken during cooking.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the fish sauce, palm sugar, and black pepper.
Serving dish - A dish to present and serve the cooked chicken.
Garnishing tools - Optional tools such as kitchen shears for cutting spring onions and coriander for garnishing.

Origin stories

The Ga Kho Sa Ot is a time-honored dish hailing from the southern region of Vietnam, where the sunny weather and fertile land are generous gifts for herb cultivation. This dish – an aromatic symphony of lemongrass and chili – is a testament to the Vietnamese people's culinary ingenuity, as they have learned to make the best use of what nature has to offer, infusing the common chicken with a punch of flavors that transforms it into an extraordinary delicacy. In Vietnamese, "Ga" refers to chicken, "Kho" captures the process of simmering, while "Sa Ot" suggests the duo of lemongrass and chili. So, in not just name but also flavor, Ga Kho Sa Ot is an authentic taste of Vietnam, bringing a slice of its sunny, vibrant climate and bountiful land to the global culinary stage, one aromatic mouthful at a time.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.